Rangers 4, Athletics 3
Craig Gentry's bases-loaded triple capped a four-run eighth inning and lifted host Texas to its fourth consecutive victory.
The late rally rewarded Rangers left-hander Matt Harrison (11-3) with his seventh straight victory as he joined Tampa Bay's David Price as the only 11-game winners in the American League.
Harrison allowed two runs on eight hits in eight innings while striking out seven and walking one to improve to 7-0 in his last eight starts. He has not lost since May 12.
Chris Carter hit a two-out solo homer in the ninth inning to cut the deficit to 4-3 before Tanner Scheppers closed it out for his first career save.
Grant Balfour (1-2) walked three straight batters after yielding a single to Elvis Andrus in the eighth to allow the Rangers to get within 2-1.
Oakland closer Ryan Cook replaced Balfour but was greeted by a liner to left-center by Gentry that was misplayed by rookie left fielder Yoenis Cespedes, clearing the bases and spoiling a brilliant performance by Oakland starter A.J. Griffin.
In his second career start, Griffin allowed two hits in six scoreless innings and retired 13 straight at one point.
Cespedes and Coco Crisp had RBI singles for the Athletics.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Rangers rookie RHP Yu Darvish, who entered Friday tied for the AL lead with 10 wins, said he doesn't consider himself worthy of a berth on the All-Star team. ... Oakland called up 1B Carter from Triple-A Sacramento. He is expected to platoon with Brandon Moss. RHP Tyson Ross was sent down to Sacramento to make room for Carter. ... Texas placed RHP Mark Lowe on the 15-day disabled list and recalled RHP Yoshinori Tateyama from Triple-A Round Rock. Lowe is dealing with a strained right intercostal muscle.